Renowned five-eighth Luke Keary has declared his intention to retire from the NRL at the conclusion of the current season, marking the conclusion of a resilient career highlighted by premiership victories with both the Rabbitohs and the Roosters.
Aged 32, Keary debuted in 2013 and swiftly secured a title with the Rabbitohs the subsequent season. In 2017, he transitioned to their archrivals, the Roosters, where he achieved consecutive grand final triumphs in 2018 and 2019.
His standout performance in the 2018 final stands as a pinnacle moment in a career marked by appearances for NSW, Ireland, and Australia. Keary’s stellar display in the decider earned him the Clive Churchill Medal, as he took charge of the game alongside Cooper Cronk, who was hampered by injury.
Throughout his tenure, Keary grappled with severe concussions and other significant injuries, though these factors did not influence his decision to retire, despite recently signing a new contract earlier this year.
“After 12 seasons and 27 years immersed in the sport I love, I’ve made the decision to retire at the end of this year. It’s been a carefully considered choice, one I believe is right for both myself and my family,” Keary expressed.
“Rugby league has been an integral part of my life, and I take immense pride in the career I’ve had.”
Keary acknowledged the significant roles played by coaches Michael Maguire and Trent Robinson in shaping him into one of the NRL’s most resilient playmakers.
“Madge, you gave me my first opportunity, and I’ll forever be thankful to you. You took me under your wing as a young player and taught me the ropes of first-grade footy. The lessons and toughness you instilled in me have been constants throughout my career,” he reflected.
“To Robbo, I feel incredibly fortunate to have had the chance to play under your guidance. From the moment I joined the Roosters, it felt like home. You’ve been both a mentor and a friend for the past eight years. We’ve shared triumphs and challenges, and I couldn’t have asked for a better coach to guide me through it all. From me and my family, thank you for the opportunity to grow and develop into the best player I could be over the past eight years.”
Robinson reciprocated the sentiment, praising Keary’s contributions both on and off the field.
“Luke has served as our vice-captain and embodies high integrity, consistently pushing the boundaries of his physical capabilities,” Robinson remarked.
“He’s endured pain and sacrificed for our jersey, consistently demonstrating his commitment to being the best teammate he can be. His passion and skill have established him as one of the most tenacious players I’ve had the privilege to coach.”
“With Luke’s departure in 2025, Sam Walker and Sandon Smith will step into prominent roles, leading a team that will also be without rugby-bound stars Joseph Manu and Joseph-Suaalii,” he added.
“It’s been an immense privilege to spend the majority of my career with the Sydney Roosters. This club and its community have become my home, and I’m incredibly grateful to all the staff, members, and sponsors for their unwavering support,” Keary expressed.
“I want to convey to all of you that every time I pulled on that Roosters jersey, I poured my heart and soul into it. Through the highs and lows, I hope I’ve been able to do justice to the pride and passion of our supporters.
“I can sincerely say that I’ve been blessed to be surrounded by greatness throughout my career. From my teammates at Souths in that memorable 2014 team to the exceptional players I’ve had the privilege to share the field with at the Roosters, particularly those from the 2018 and 2019 squads, many of whom have become my closest friends.
“The respect and admiration I hold for each of you will endure for a lifetime.”
